11 Best Practices For Subscriptions UX Design

Subscriptions can often be a significant commitment, especially given the numerous outgoing and recurring charges that most people incur these days. Signing up for regular charges on your account can often feel daunting, so making that journey as easy and rewarding as possible for users is crucial.

Here are 11 best practices for subscription website design, along with tips on creating a subscription experience that feels intuitive, transparent, and worth every penny.

1. Ensure all subscription information is clear & easy to find.

When users are considering a subscription, they have questions - and lots of them. How does this work? How will this benefit me? Are there any hidden fees?

Be upfront and clear about all the details. Add a quick FAQ section, use tooltips, and make sure your product pages clearly explain how the subscription works. When users have the answers they need without hunting for them, it makes saying “yes” so much easier.

2. Cancelling should always be simple.

Nobody likes feeling trapped. If cancelling a subscription feels like a maze, users will be hesitant to sign up in the first place.

Make it clear from the get-go that cancelling is easy—no hoops, no guilt trips. Simple messaging like “Cancel anytime in one click” builds trust and reassures users that they’re in control.

3. Offer order flexibility: edit, skip, pause & cancel.

Life happens. Sometimes, people need to skip a month, delay an order, or adjust how often they get something. Giving users control over these options is massively beneficial and gives users a lot of control.

Features like skipping a delivery, pausing a subscription, or changing the frequency help customers feel confident they won’t end up with stuff they don’t need. Flexibility keeps people happy—and subscribed.

4. Give users options with tiers.

Not everyone has the same needs or budget, so why offer only one subscription plan? Multiple tiers let users pick what works best for them.

For example, you could offer:

• A basic plan for people who want just the essentials.

• A premium plan with perks like free shipping or extra goodies.

The more tailored the options, the more people will find something that fits.

5. Be crystal clear about pricing.

People don’t want surprises when it comes to pricing. Lay it all out:

• How much does it cost upfront?

• How often will they be charged?

• Are there any hidden fees?

Clear pricing builds trust. Highlight savings for subscribers, too—it’s a great incentive. A simple “Save 15% by subscribing” can make a big difference.

6. Sweeten the deal with perks.

With so many subscription options out there, standing out is important. Adding perks can make all the difference. Think:

• Free gifts for signing up or renewing.

• Loyalty points users can redeem for one-off products.

• Exclusive discounts or early access to new items.

These little extras can turn a “maybe” into a “yes” and keep subscribers around longer.

7. Let users try one-off products.

Sometimes, users want to try before they commit—or just add something new to their regular order. Offering one-off products alongside subscriptions gives them the chance to explore without extra pressure.

For example, if someone subscribes to a coffee delivery, let them add a sample of a new roast to their next shipment. They might love it and add it to their regular subscription, boosting your sales and their satisfaction.

8. Mobile-friendly is non-negotiable.

Most people browse and shop on their phones, so your subscription system needs to be mobile-friendly. From signing up to managing orders, make it as easy as possible on a small screen.

Whether someone’s on the go or just doesn’t want to use their laptop, the process should feel effortless.

9. Keep users in the loop.

Communication is everything. Regular updates about upcoming orders, charges, and delivery dates keep users informed and happy.

For example, sending a reminder before the next shipment gives users a chance to pause or adjust their subscription if needed. It shows you’re proactive and customer-focused and reduces the chances of unwanted surprises or cancellations.

10. Highlight the value of subscribing.

Make sure customers know what they’re getting out of a subscription. Show the savings, the convenience, or the exclusive perks. Maybe it’s “Save 20% and never run out of essentials” or “Get free delivery on every order.”

When people see how subscribing benefits them, it’s easier to make the leap.

11. Put customers first.

At the end of the day, subscriptions aren’t just about recurring revenue—they’re about creating a great experience for your customers. By keeping things simple, flexible, and transparent, you’ll build trust and loyalty.

The result? Happy customers who stick around and keep coming back for more.

Start making your subscription experience better today with these simple changes. Trust us, your customers will thank you!

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